U.S. patent application number 14/060648 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-01 for data processing apparatus, setting method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium encoded with setting program.
This patent application is currently assigned to Konica Minolta, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Konica Minolta, Inc.. Invention is credited to Minako KOBAYASHI.
Application Number | 20140118781 14/060648 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50546864 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140118781 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KOBAYASHI; Minako |
May 1, 2014 |
DATA PROCESSING APPARATUS, SETTING METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY
COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM ENCODED WITH SETTING PROGRAM
Abstract
A data processing apparatus includes a position detection
portion for detecting a position designated on a display, a data
select portion for selecting data identified by a first image
displayed on the display as target data, a clone image display
portion for arranging a clone image corresponding to the first
image at the detected position, a clone image moving portion for
moving the clone image, a second image display portion for
arranging one or more second images for identifying one or more
kinds of processes executable on the target data at positions based
on the position of the first image, a candidate process decision
portion for deciding a process identified by the second image
having a predetermined relative positional relation to the clone
image as a candidate process, and an execution process decision
portion for deciding the candidate process as an execution process
when the position is no longer detected.
Inventors: |
KOBAYASHI; Minako;
(Ikeda-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Konica Minolta, Inc. |
Chiyoda-ku |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Konica Minolta, Inc.
Chiyoda-ku
JP
|
Family ID: |
50546864 |
Appl. No.: |
14/060648 |
Filed: |
October 23, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0486 20130101;
H04N 1/00413 20130101; H04N 1/00384 20130101; H04N 1/00482
20130101; G06F 3/048 20130101; H04N 1/00411 20130101; H04N
2201/0094 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/1.15 |
International
Class: |
H04N 1/00 20060101
H04N001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 26, 2012 |
JP |
2012-237317 |
Claims
1. A data processing apparatus comprising: a process execution
portion capable of executing one or more kinds of processes on
data; a display portion capable of displaying an image; a position
detection portion to detect a position designated by a user in a
display surface of the display portion; a first image display
portion to display a first image for identifying data on the
display portion; a data select portion to select data identified by
the first image displayed on the display portion as process target
data to be processed, based on the position detected by the
position detection portion; a clone image display portion to
arrange a clone image corresponding to the first image for
identifying the process target data at the position detected by the
position detection portion and to display the arranged clone image
on the display portion, in response to the process target data
being selected by the data select portion; a clone image moving
portion to move the clone image by arranging the clone image at the
position detected by the position detection portion and displaying
the arranged clone image on the display portion while the position
is continuously detected by the position detection portion after
the process target data is selected by the data select portion; a
second image display portion to arrange one or more second images
for identifying one or more kinds of processes that can be executed
by the process execution portion on the process target data, at
positions defined based on a position where the first image is
displayed, and to display the arranged one or more second images on
the display portion, in response to the process target data being
selected by the data select portion; a candidate process decision
portion to decide a process identified by the second image having a
predetermined relative positional relation to the clone image as a
candidate process among the one or more second images when the
clone image displayed by the clone image moving portion falls into
a predetermined relative positional relation to any one of the one
or more second images; and an execution process decision portion to
decide the candidate process as an execution process to be executed
by the process execution portion on the process target data when
the position is no longer detected by the position detection
portion in a state in which the clone image falls in a
predetermined relative positional relation to the second image for
identifying the candidate process.
2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
second image display portion arranges two second images for
identifying predetermined two of the one or more kinds of processes
that can be executed by the process execution portion on the
process target data, above a position where the first image is
displayed.
3. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising an executable process decision portion to decide one or
more executable processes that can be executed on the process
target data from among the one or more kinds of processes that can
be executed by the process execution portion, wherein when two
executable processes are decided by the executable process decision
portion, the second image display portion arranges two second
images for identifying the two executable processes decided by the
executable process decision portion, above a position where the
first image is displayed.
4. The data processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the
second image display portion arranges the two second images such
that the two second images are aligned in a horizontal direction at
a distance longer than a horizontal length of the clone image.
5. The data processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the
one or more kinds of processes that can be executed by the process
execution portion are sorted into a plurality of modes, and the
executable process decision portion includes a mode select portion
to select any one of the plurality of modes, and decides the one or
more executable processes from among the kinds of processes sorted
into a mode selected by the mode select portion.
6. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising an executable process decision portion to decide one or
more executable processes that can be executed on the process
target data from among the one or more kinds of processes that can
be executed by the process execution portion, wherein when three or
more executable processes are decided by the executable process
decision portion, the second image display portion arranges three
or more second images for identifying the three or more executable
processes decided by the executable process decision portion, at
positions, excluding a position below the first image, where three
or more of the three or more second images are not aligned in a
same straight line.
7. The data processing apparatus according to 1, further comprising
an executable process decision portion to decide one or more
executable processes that can be executed on the process target
data from among the one or more kinds of processes that can be
executed by the process execution portion, wherein the second image
display portion arranges one or more second images for identifying
the one or more executable processes decided by the executable
process decision portion, at positions, excluding a position below
the first image, where directions from a predetermined position in
the first image for identifying the process target data are
different.
8. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
second image display portion includes an enlargement portion to
display the second image for identifying a candidate process in a
larger size than before the candidate process is decided by the
candidate process decision portion, while the candidate process is
being decided by the candidate process decision portion.
9. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
second image display portion includes an identification information
display portion to display identification information for
identifying a candidate process next to the second image, while the
candidate process is being decided by the candidate process
decision portion.
10. A data processing apparatus comprising: a process execution
portion capable of executing one or more kinds of processes on
data; a display portion capable of displaying an image; a position
detection portion to detect a position designated by a user in a
display surface of the display portion; a first image display
portion to display a first image for identifying data on the
display portion; a data select portion to select data identified by
the first image displayed on the display portion as process target
data to be processed, based on the position detected by the
position detection portion; a second image display portion to
arrange one or more second images for identifying one or more kinds
of processes that can be executed by the process execution portion
on the process target data, at positions defined based on a start
position detected by the position detection portion at a point of
time when the process target data is selected by the data select
portion, and to display the arranged one or more second images on
the display portion, in response to the process target data being
selected by the data select portion; a candidate process decision
portion to decide a process identified by the second image having a
predetermined relative positional relation to the position
continuously detected by the position detection portion as a
candidate process among the one or more second images when the
position continuously detected by the position detection portion
falls into a predetermined relative positional relation to any one
of the one or more second images; and an execution process decision
portion to decide the candidate process as an execution process to
be executed by the process execution portion on the process target
data when the position is no longer detected by the position
detection portion in a state in which the position detected by the
position detection portion falls in a predetermined relative
positional relation to the second image for identifying the
candidate process.
11. The data processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
the second image display portion arranges two second images for
identifying predetermined two of the one or more kinds of processes
that can be executed by the process execution portion on the
process target data, above the start position detected by the
position detection potion at a point of time when the process
target data is selected by the data select portion.
12. The data processing apparatus according to claim 10, further
comprising an executable process decision portion to decide one or
more executable processes that can be executed on the process
target data from among the one or more kinds of processes that can
be executed by the process execution portion, wherein when two
executable processes are decided by the executable process decision
portion, the second image display portion arranges two second
images for identifying the two executable processes decided by the
executable process decision portion, above the start position.
13. The data processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein
the second image display portion arranges the two second images
such that the two second images are aligned in a horizontal
direction above the start position.
14. The data processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein
the one or more kinds of processes that can be executed by the
process execution portion are sorted into a plurality of modes, and
the executable process decision portion includes a mode select
portion to select any one of the plurality of modes, and decides
the one or more executable processes from among the kinds of
processes sorted into a mode selected by the mode select
portion.
15. The data processing apparatus according to claim 10, further
comprising an executable process decision portion to decide one or
more executable processes that can be executed on the process
target data from among the one or more kinds of processes that can
be executed by the process execution portion, wherein when three or
more executable processes are decided by the executable process
decision portion, the second image display portion arranges three
or more second images for identifying the three or more executable
processes decided by the executable process decision portion, at
positions, excluding a position below the start position, where
three or more of the three or more second images are not aligned in
a same straight line.
16. The data processing apparatus according to 10, further
comprising an executable process decision portion to decide one or
more executable processes that can be executed on the process
target data from among the one or more kinds of processes that can
be executed by the process execution portion, wherein when three or
more executable processes are decided by the executable process
decision portion, the second image display portion arranges three
or more second images for identifying the three or more executable
processes decided by the executable process decision portion, at
positions above the start position and such that the three or more
second images are aligned in a horizontal direction.
17. The data processing apparatus according to 10, further
comprising an executable process decision portion to decide one or
more executable processes that can be executed on the process
target data from among the one or more kinds of processes that can
be executed by the process execution portion, wherein when three or
more executable processes are decided by the executable process
decision portion, the second image display portion arranges three
or more second images for identifying the three or more executable
processes decided by the executable process decision portion, at
positions, excluding a position below the start position, where
directions from the start position are different.
18. The data processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
the second image display portion includes an enlargement portion to
display the second image for identifying a candidate process in a
larger size than before the candidate process is decided by the
candidate process decision portion, while the candidate process is
being decided by the candidate process decision portion.
19. The data processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
the second image display portion includes an identification
information display portion to display identification information
for identifying a candidate process next to the second image, while
the candidate process is being decided by the candidate process
decision portion.
20. The data processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
when a plurality of first images for identifying a plurality of
data are displayed by the first image display portion on the
display portion, the second image display portion displays one or
more second images for identifying the one or more processes that
can be executed by the process execution portion on the process
target data selected by the data select portion, at positions where
the one or more second images do not overlap the plurality of first
images.
21. A setting method executed in a data processing apparatus, the
data processing apparatus including a process execution portion
capable of executing one or more kinds of processes on data, and a
display portion capable of displaying an image, the method
comprising: a position detection step of detecting a position
designated by a user in a display surface of the display portion; a
first image display step of displaying a first image for
identifying data on the display portion; a data select step of
selecting data identified by the first image displayed on the
display portion as process target data to be processed, based on
the position detected in the position detection step; a clone image
display step of arranging a clone image corresponding to the first
image for identifying the process target data at the position
detected in the position detection step and displaying the arranged
clone image on the display portion, in response to the process
target data being selected in the data select step; a clone image
moving step of moving the clone image by arranging the clone image
at the position detected in the position detection step and
displaying the arranged clone image on the display portion while
the position is continuously detected in the position detection
step after the process target data is selected in the data select
step; a second image display step of arranging one or more second
images for identifying one or more kinds of processes that can be
executed by the process execution portion on the process target
data, at positions defined based on a position where the first
image is displayed, and displaying the arranged one or more second
images on the display portion, in response to the process target
data being selected in the data select step; a candidate process
decision step of deciding a process identified by the second image
having a predetermined relative positional relation to the clone
image as a candidate process among the one or more second images
when the clone image displayed in the clone image moving step falls
into a predetermined relative positional relation to any one of the
one or more second images; and an execution process decision step
of deciding the candidate process as an execution process to be
executed by the process execution portion on the process target
data when the position is no longer detected in the position
detection step in a state in which the clone image falls in a
predetermined relative positional relation to the second image for
identifying the candidate process.
22. A setting method executed in a data processing apparatus, the
data processing apparatus including a process execution portion
capable of executing one or more kinds of processes on data, and a
display portion capable of displaying an image, the method
comprising: a position detection step of detecting a position
designated by a user in a display surface of the display portion; a
first image display step of displaying a first image for
identifying data on the display portion; a data select step of
selecting data identified by the first image displayed on the
display portion as process target data to be processed, based on
the position detected in the position detection step; a second
image display step of arranging one or more second images for
identifying one or more kinds of processes that can be executed by
the process execution portion on the process target data, at
positions defined based on a start position detected in the
position detection step at a point of time when the process target
data is selected in the data select step, and displaying the
arranged one or more second images on the display portion, in
response to the process target data being selected in the data
select step; a candidate process decision step of deciding a
process identified by the second image having a predetermined
relative positional relation to the position continuously detected
in the position detection step as a candidate process among the one
or more second images when the position continuously detected in
the position detection step falls into a predetermined relative
positional relation to any one of the one or more second images;
and an execution process decision step of deciding the candidate
process as an execution process to be executed by the process
execution portion on the process target data when the position is
no longer detected in the position detection step in a state in
which the position detected in the position detection step falls in
a predetermined relative positional relation to the second image
for identifying the candidate process.
23. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium encoded
with a setting program performed by a computer which controls a
data processing apparatus, the data processing apparatus including
a process execution portion capable of executing one or more kinds
of processes on data, and a display portion capable of displaying
an image, the setting program causing the computer to execute: a
position detection step of detecting a position designated by a
user in a display surface of the display portion; a first image
display step of displaying a first image for identifying data on
the display portion; a data select step of selecting data
identified by the first image displayed on the display portion as
process target data to be processed, based on the position detected
in the position detection step; a clone image display step of
arranging a clone image corresponding to the first image for
identifying the process target data at the position detected in the
position detection step and displaying the arranged clone image on
the display portion, in response to the process target data being
selected in the data select step; a clone image moving step of
moving the clone image by arranging the clone image at the position
detected in the position detection step and displaying the arranged
clone image on the display portion while the position is
continuously detected in the position detection step after the
process target data is selected in the data select step; a second
image display step of arranging one or more second images for
identifying one or more kinds of processes that can be executed by
the process execution portion on the process target data, at
positions defined based on a position where the first image is
displayed, and displaying the arranged one or more second images on
the display portion, in response to the process target data being
selected in the data select step; a candidate process decision step
of deciding a process identified by the second image having a
predetermined relative positional relation to the clone image as a
candidate process among the one or more second images when the
clone image displayed in the clone image moving step falls into a
predetermined relative positional relation to any one of the one or
more second images; and an execution process decision step of
deciding the candidate process as an execution process to be
executed by the process execution portion on the process target
data when the position is no longer detected in the position
detection step in a state in which the clone image falls in a
predetermined relative positional relation to the second image for
identifying the candidate process.
24. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium encoded
with a setting program performed by a computer which controls a
data processing apparatus, the data processing apparatus including
a process execution portion capable of executing one or more kinds
of processes on data, and a display portion capable of displaying
an image, the setting program causing the computer to execute: a
position detection step of detecting a position designated by a
user in a display surface of the display portion; a first image
display step of displaying a first image for identifying data on
the display portion; a data select step of selecting data
identified by the first image displayed on the display portion as
process target data to be processed, based on the position detected
in the position detection step; a second image display step of
arranging one or more second images for identifying one or more
kinds of processes that can be executed by the process execution
portion on the process target data, at positions defined based on a
start position detected in the position detection step at a point
of time when the process target data is selected in the data select
step, and displaying the arranged one or more second images on the
display portion, in response to the process target data being
selected in the data select step; a candidate process decision step
of deciding a process identified by the second image having a
predetermined relative positional relation to the position
continuously detected in the position detection step as a candidate
process among the one or more second images when the position
continuously detected in the position detection step falls into a
predetermined relative positional relation to any one of the one or
more second images; and an execution process decision step of
deciding the candidate process as an execution process to be
executed by the process execution portion on the process target
data when the position is no longer detected in the position
detection step in a state in which the position detected in the
position detection step falls in a predetermined relative
positional relation to the second image for identifying the
candidate process.
Description
[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No.
2012-237317 filed with Japan Patent Office on Oct. 26, 2012, the
entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a data processing
apparatus, a setting method, and a setting program. More
specifically, the present invention relates to a data processing
apparatus capable of executing plural kinds of processes, a setting
method executed in the data processing apparatus, and a
non-transitory computer-readable recording medium encoded with a
setting program.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In recent years, touch panels are used as a user interface
in data processing apparatuses such as Multi-Functional Peripherals
(MFPs). The use of touch panels enables acceptance of drag
operation and drop operation and makes operation easy.
[0006] For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-257104
discloses a communication terminal including a content list display
unit for displaying a content thumbnail indicating a content, a
drag process detection unit for detecting drag operation on the
content thumbnail, an application icon display unit for displaying
a list of application icons indicating applications applicable to
the content, a drop process detection unit for detecting drop
operation on the dragged content thumbnail onto an application icon
displayed in the list, and a content conversion process unit for,
in response to detection of the drop operation, performing a
conversion process on the content in compliance with applicable
conditions of the application associated with the application icon
on which the drop operation is performed.
[0007] However, in order to drag and drop a thumbnail, it is
necessary to move a finger to the position where the thumbnail is
to be dropped, with the finger kept on the touch panel. This may
cause an operation error. Specifically, the finger may leave the
touch panel during the process of moving the finger to the position
where the thumbnail is to be dropped. As a result, the thumbnail
may be dropped at a position not intended by the user. For example,
when the distance over which the finger is moved is long, or
depending on the direction in which the finger is moved, the
possibility of an operation error may become higher. In many MFPs,
the surface of the touch panel is set to be oriented upward in
order to allow the user to view the operation screen easily in the
standing posture. When the user in the standing posture operates
the touch panel having the surface oriented upward, the operation
of moving the finger frontward causes an operation error more
frequently than the operation of moving the finger in other
directions. The downward direction from the position designated by
the finger in the screen is the frontward direction for the user,
and the position lower than the position designated by the finger
in the screen is partially hidden under the user's finger and
becomes out of sight for the user. The operation of moving the
finger is therefore difficult when the finger is moved to a region
including such a position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention, a data
processing apparatus includes: a process execution portion capable
of executing one or more kinds of processes on data; a display
portion capable of displaying an image; a position detection
portion to detect a position designated by a user in a display
surface of the display portion; a first image display portion to
display a first image for identifying data on the display portion;
a data select portion to select data identified by the first image
displayed on the display portion as process target data to be
processed, based on the position detected by the position detection
portion; a clone image display portion to arrange a clone image
corresponding to the first image for identifying the process target
data at the position detected by the position detection portion and
to display the arranged clone image on the display portion, in
response to the process target data being selected by the data
select portion; a clone image moving portion to move the clone
image by arranging the clone image at the position detected by the
position detection portion and displaying the arranged clone image
on the display portion while the position is continuously detected
by the position detection portion after the process target data is
selected by the data select portion; a second image display portion
to arrange one or more second images for identifying one or more
kinds of processes that can be executed by the process execution
portion on the process target data, at positions defined based on a
position where the first image is displayed, and to display the
arranged one or more second images on the display portion, in
response to the process target data being selected by the data
select portion; a candidate process decision portion to decide a
process identified by the second image having a predetermined
relative positional relation to the clone image as a candidate
process among the one or more second images when the clone image
displayed by the clone image moving portion falls into a
predetermined relative positional relation to any one of the one or
more second images; and an execution process decision portion to
decide the candidate process as an execution process to be executed
by the process execution portion on the process target data when
the position is no longer detected by the position detection
portion in a state in which the clone image falls in a
predetermined relative positional relation to the second image for
identifying the candidate process.
[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, a data
processing apparatus includes: a process execution portion capable
of executing one or more kinds of processes on data; a display
portion capable of displaying an image; a position detection
portion to detect a position designated by a user in a display
surface of the display portion; a first image display portion to
display a first image for identifying data on the display portion;
a data select portion to select the data identified by the first
image displayed on the display portion as process target data to be
processed, based on the position detected by the position detection
portion; a second image display portion to arrange one or more
second images for identifying one or more kinds of processes that
can be executed by the process execution portion on the process
target data, at positions defined based on a start position
detected by the position detection portion at a point of time when
the process target data is selected by the data select portion, and
to display the arranged one or more second images on the display
portion, in response to the process target data being selected by
the data select portion; a candidate process decision portion to
decide a process identified by the second image having a
predetermined relative positional relation to the position
continuously detected by the position detection portion as a
candidate process among the one or more second images when the
position continuously detected by the position detection portion
falls into a predetermined relative positional relation to any one
of the one or more second images; and an execution process decision
portion to decide the candidate process as an execution process to
be executed by the process execution portion on the process target
data when the position is no longer detected by the position
detection portion in a state in which the position detected by the
position detection portion falls into a predetermined relative
positional relation to the second image for identifying the
candidate process.
[0010] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a
setting method is executed in a data processing apparatus including
a process execution portion capable of executing one or more kinds
of processes on data and a display portion capable of displaying an
image. The method includes: a position detection step of detecting
a position designated by a user in a display surface of the display
portion; a first image display step of displaying a first image for
identifying data on the display portion; a data select step of
selecting data identified by the first image displayed on the
display portion as process target data to be processed, based on
the position detected in the position detection step; a clone image
display step of arranging a clone image corresponding to the first
image for identifying the process target data at the position
detected in the position detection step and displaying the arranged
clone image on the display portion, in response to the process
target data being selected in the data select step; a clone image
moving step of moving the clone image by arranging the clone image
at the position detected in the position detection step and
displaying the arranged clone image on the display portion while
the position is continuously detected in the position detection
step after the process target data is selected in the data select
step; a second image display step of arranging one or more second
images for identifying one or more kinds of processes that can be
executed by the process execution portion on the process target
data, at positions defined based on a position where the first
image is displayed, and displaying the arranged one or more second
images on the display portion, in response to the process target
data being selected in the data select step; a candidate process
decision step of deciding a process identified by the second image
having a predetermined relative positional relation to the clone
image as a candidate process among the one or more second images
when the clone image displayed in the clone image moving step falls
into a predetermined relative positional relation to any one of the
one or more second images; and an execution process decision step
of deciding the candidate process as an execution process to be
executed by the process execution portion on the process target
data when the position is no longer detected in the position
detection step in a state in which the clone image falls in a
predetermined relative positional relation to the second image for
identifying the candidate process.
[0011] According to a still further aspect of the present
invention, a setting method executed in a data processing apparatus
including a process execution portion capable of executing one or
more kinds of processes on data and a display portion capable of
displaying an image. The method includes: a position detection step
of detecting a position designated by a user in a display surface
of the display portion; a first image display step of displaying a
first image for identifying data on the display portion; a data
select step of selecting data identified by the first image
displayed on the display portion as process target data to be
processed, based on the position detected in the position detection
step; a second image display step of arranging one or more second
images for identifying one or more kinds of processes that can be
executed by the process execution portion on the process target
data, at positions defined based on a start position detected in
the position detection step at a point of time when the process
target data is selected in the data select step, and displaying the
arranged one or more second images on the display portion, in
response to the process target data being selected in the data
select step; a candidate process decision step of deciding a
process identified by the second image having a predetermined
relative positional relation to the position continuously detected
in the position detection step as a candidate process among the one
or more second images when the position continuously detected in
the position detection step falls into a predetermined relative
positional relation to any one of the one or more second images;
and an execution process decision step of deciding the candidate
process as an execution process to be executed by the process
execution portion on the process target data when the position is
no longer detected in the position detection step in a state in
which the position detected in the position detection step falls in
a predetermined relative positional relation to the second image
for identifying the candidate process.
[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
non-transitory computer-readable recording medium is encoded with a
setting program performed by a computer which controls a data
processing apparatus. The data processing apparatus includes a
process execution portion capable of executing one or more kinds of
processes on data and a display portion capable of displaying an
image. The setting program causes the computer to execute: a
position detection step of detecting a position designated by a
user in a display surface of the display portion; a first image
display step of displaying a first image for identifying data on
the display portion; a data select step of selecting data
identified by the first image displayed on the display portion as
process target data to be processed, based on the position detected
in the position detection step; a clone image display step of
arranging a clone image corresponding to the first image for
identifying the process target data at the position detected in the
position detection step and displaying the arranged clone image on
the display portion, in response to the process target data being
selected in the data select step; a clone image moving step of
moving the clone image by arranging the clone image at the position
detected in the position detection step and displaying the arranged
clone image on the display portion while the position is
continuously detected in the position detection step after the
process target data is selected in the data select step; a second
image display step of arranging one or more second images for
identifying one or more kinds of processes that can be executed by
the process execution portion on the process target data, at
positions defined based on a position where the first image is
displayed, and displaying the arranged one or more second images on
the display portion, in response to the process target data being
selected in the data select step; a candidate process decision step
of deciding a process identified by the second image having a
predetermined relative positional relation to the clone image as a
candidate process among the one or more second images when the
clone image displayed in the clone image moving step falls into a
predetermined relative positional relation to any one of the one or
more second images; and an execution process decision step of
deciding the candidate process as an execution process to be
executed by the process execution portion on the process target
data when the position is no longer detected in the position
detection step in a state in which the clone image falls in a
predetermined relative positional relation to the second image for
identifying the candidate process.
[0013] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a
non-transitory computer-readable recording medium is encoded with a
setting program performed by a computer which controls a data
processing apparatus. The data processing apparatus includes a
process execution portion capable of executing one or more kinds of
processes on data and a display portion capable of displaying an
image. The setting program causes the computer to execute: a
position detection step of detecting a position designated by a
user in a display surface of the display portion; a first image
display step of displaying a first image for identifying data on
the display portion; a data select step of selecting the data
identified by the first image displayed on the display portion as
process target data to be processed, based on the position detected
in the position detection step; a second image display step of
arranging one or more second images for identifying one or more
kinds of processes that can be executed by the process execution
portion on the process target data, at positions defined based on a
start position detected in the position detection step at a point
of time when the process target data is selected in the data select
step, and displaying the arranged one or more second images on the
display portion, in response to the process target data being
selected in the data select step; a candidate process decision step
of deciding a process identified by the second image having a
predetermined relative positional relation to the position
continuously detected in the position detection step as a candidate
process among the one or more second images when the position
continuously detected in the position detection step falls into a
predetermined relative positional relation to any one of the one or
more second images; and an execution process decision step of
deciding the candidate process as an execution process to be
executed by the process execution portion on the process target
data when the position is no longer detected in the position
detection step in a state in which the position detected in the
position detection step falls in a predetermined relative
positional relation to the second image for identifying the
candidate process.
[0014] The foregoing and other features, aspects, and advantages of
the present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description of the present invention when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an MFP in a first
embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall hardware
configuration of the MFP.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a plan view of an operation panel.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of functions of
the CPU of the MFP in the first embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a first flowchart showing an exemplary flow of an
operation condition setting process in the first embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a second flowchart showing an exemplary flow of
the operation condition setting process in the first
embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an exemplary flow of an
executable process decision process.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an exemplary flow of a second
image display process.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a first diagram showing an example of a data
select screen.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a second diagram showing an example of the data
select screen.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating arrangement of three or
more second images.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of functions
of the CPU of the MFP in a second embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a first flowchart showing an exemplary flow of an
operation condition setting process in the second embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a second flowchart showing an exemplary flow of
the operation condition setting process in the second
embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an exemplary flow of a second
image display process in the second embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 16 is a first diagram showing an example of a data
select screen in the second embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 17 is a second diagram showing an example of the data
select screen in the second embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below
with reference to the figures. In the following description, the
same parts are denoted with the same reference numerals. Their
names and functions are also the same. Therefore, a detailed
description thereof will not be repeated.
First Embodiment
[0033] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an MFP in a first
embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall hardware
configuration of the MFP. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, MFP 100
functioning as a data processing apparatus includes a main circuit
110, a document scanning unit 130 for scanning a document, an
automatic document feeder 120 for conveying a document to document
scanning unit 130, an image forming unit 140 for forming an image
on a sheet of paper based on image data output by document scanning
unit 130 scanning a document, a paper feed unit 150 for supplying
paper to image forming unit 140, and an operation panel 160 serving
as a user interface.
[0034] Main circuit 110 includes a CPU 111 for controlling the
entire MFP 100, a communication I/F (interface) unit 112, a ROM
113, a RAM 114, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 115 serving as a mass
storage device, a facsimile unit 116, and an external storage
device 117. CPU 111 is connected to automatic document feeder 120,
document scanning unit 130, image forming unit 140, paper feed unit
150, and operation panel 160 to control the entire MFP 100.
[0035] Automatic document feeder 120 automatically conveys plural
sheets of a document set on a document feed tray, sheet by sheet,
to a predetermined document scan position set on the platen glass
of document scanning unit 130, and discharges the document having a
document image read by document scanning unit 130 onto a document
output tray. Document scanning unit 130 includes a light source for
applying light to a document conveyed to the document scan position
and a photoelectric transducer receiving light reflected by the
document for scanning a document image in accordance with a
document size. The photoelectric transducer converts the received
light into image data that is an electrical signal for output to
image forming unit 140. Paper feed unit 150 conveys paper
accommodated in a paper feed tray to image forming unit 140.
[0036] Image forming unit 140 forms an image by a well-known
electrophotographic technique. Image forming unit 140 forms an
image on paper conveyed by paper feed unit 150, based on image data
produced by subjecting image data input from document scanning unit
130 to a variety of data processing such as shading correction, or
image data received from the outside.
[0037] Facsimile unit 116 is connected to a PSTN (Public Switched
Telephone Network) to transmit facsimile data to the PSTN or
receive facsimile data from the PSTN. Facsimile unit 116 stores the
received facsimile data into HDD 115 and converts the received
facsimile data into print data printable by image forming unit 140
for output to image forming unit 140. Image forming unit 140 thus
forms an image on paper based on the facsimile data received by
facsimile unit 116. Facsimile unit 116 also converts data stored in
HDD 115 into facsimile data and transmits the facsimile data to a
facsimile machine connected to the PSTN.
[0038] Communication I/F unit 112 is an interface for connecting
MFP 100 to a network. Communication I/F unit 112 communicates with
another computer or a data processing apparatus connected to the
network with a communication protocol such as TCP (Transmission
Control Protocol) or FTP (File Transfer Protocol). The network to
which communication I/F unit 112 is connected is a LAN (Local Area
Network), either wired or wireless. The network is not limited to a
LAN and may be a WAN (Wide Area Network), a PSTN, or the
Internet.
[0039] ROM 113 stores a program executed by CPU 111 or data
necessary to execute the program. RAM 114 is used as a working area
when CPU 111 executes a program. RAM 114 temporarily stores scan
images successively sent from document scanning unit 130.
[0040] Operation panel 160 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
165, a display control unit 161 for controlling display of LCD 165,
a VRAM (Video RAM) 163, a touch panel 169, a hard key unit 170
including a start key 171 (see FIG. 3), and an input control unit
167 for controlling touch panel 169 and hard key unit 170. LCD 165
and hard key unit 170 are provided on the top surface of MFP 100.
LCD 165 may be replaced by any other device that displays an image,
for example, an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display.
[0041] Display control unit 161 is connected to CPU 111, VRAM 163,
and LCD 165. VRAM 163 is used as a working area for display control
unit 161 and temporarily stores an image to be displayed on LCD
165. Display control unit 161 is controlled by CPU 111 to control
LCD 165 and allows LCD 165 to display an image stored in VRAM 163.
Display control unit 161 allows LCD 165 to display an operation
screen and an input screen as described later.
[0042] Hard key unit 170 includes a plurality of hard keys at least
including a start key 171. The hard key is connected to input
control unit 167, outputs an ON signal to input control unit 167
while being pressed by the user, and outputs an OFF signal to input
control unit 167 while not being pressed by the user.
[0043] Touch panel 169 is provided on the upper or lower surface of
LCD 165 and outputs the coordinates of a position pressed by the
user to input control unit 167. Touch panel 169 detects a position
designated by the user with a finger or a stylus pen and outputs
the coordinates of the designated position to input control unit
167. Touch panel 169 preferably has a size equal to or larger than
the display surface of LCD 165. Touch panel 169 is overlaid on LCD
165, so that the user designates the display surface of LCD 165 to
allow touch panel 169 to output the coordinates of a position
designated by the user in the display surface of LCD 165 to input
control unit 167. Examples of the touch panel include
resistant-film, surface-acoustic-wave, infrared, electromagnetic,
and capacitive touch panels, though not being limited thereto.
[0044] If hard key unit 170 has a hard key outputting an ON signal,
input control unit 167 outputs identification information of the
hard key outputting an ON signal to CPU 111. When touch panel 169
detects a position designated by the user, input control unit 167
outputs the coordinates output from touch panel 169 to CPU 111.
[0045] External storage device 117 is controlled by CPU 111. A
CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) 118 or a semiconductor
memory is attached to external storage device 117. In the present
embodiment, CPU 111 executes a program stored in ROM 113, by way of
example. However, CPU 111 may control external storage device 117
to read out a program to be executed by CPU 111 from CD-ROM 118 and
store the read program into RAM 102 for execution.
[0046] A medium encoded with a program executed by CPU 111 is not
limited to CD-ROM 118 but may be a flexible disk, a cassette tape,
an optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc)/MD (Mini Disc)/DVD
(Digital Versatile Disc)), an IC card, an optical card, or a
semiconductor memory such as a mask ROM, an EPROM (Erasable
Programmable ROM), or an EEPROM (Electrically EPROM). CPU 111 may
download a program from another computer connected to the network
and store the program into HDD 115, or a computer connected to the
network may write a program into HDD 115 so that the program stored
in HDD 115 is loaded to RAM 114 and executed by CPU 111. The
program referred to here includes not only a program directly
executable by CPU 111 but also a source program, a compressed
program, an encrypted program, and the like.
[0047] FIG. 3 is a plan view of operation panel 160. Referring to
FIG. 3, operation panel 160 includes LCD 165, touch panel 169
overlaid on LCD 165, and hard key unit 170 with a plurality of hard
keys including start key 171, a BOX key 173, a COPY key 175, and a
FAX key 177 arranged on the right of and below LCD 165.
[0048] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of functions of
the CPU of the MFP in the first embodiment. The functions shown in
FIG. 4 are implemented by CPU 111 by CPU 111 of MFP 100 executing a
setting program stored in ROM 113, HDD 115, or CD-ROM 118.
Referring to FIG. 4, CPU 111 includes a setting portion 11, a
process specifying portion 21, and a process execution portion 51.
Process execution portion 51 controls hardware resources of MFP 100
and executes plural kinds of processes under process conditions set
by setting portion 11. The hardware resources of MFP 100 are
communication I/F unit 112, facsimile unit 116, HDD 115, external
storage device 117, automatic document feeder 120, document
scanning unit 130, image forming unit 140, and paper feed unit 150.
Process execution portion 51 controls one or more of those hardware
resources.
[0049] Examples of plural kinds of processes executed by process
execution portion 51 include a scan process, a copy process, a
print process, a data transmission process, a facsimile
transmission/reception process, and a data edition process. When a
setting of executing a scan process is made as one of process
conditions, process execution portion 51 controls automatic
document feeder 120, document scanning unit 130, HDD 115, external
storage device 117, and communication I/F unit 112 and outputs an
image of a document scanned by document scanning unit 130 to at
least one of HDD 115, external storage device 117, and
communication I/F unit 112 in accordance with the process
conditions. When a process condition of setting HDD 115 as an
output destination is set as one of process conditions, process
execution portion 51 stores an image into HDD 115. When a process
condition of setting external storage device 117 as an output
destination is set as one of process conditions, process execution
portion 51 stores an image into a semiconductor memory attached to
external storage device 117. When a process condition of setting
communication I/F unit 112 as an output destination is designated
as one of process conditions, process execution portion 51
transmits an image through communication I/F unit 112. Examples of
the transmission method include email transmission, FTP (File
Transfer Protocol), and SMB (Server Message Block). When email
transmission is set as a transmission method, an email with an
image attached is generated and transmitted.
[0050] When a setting of executing a copy process is made as one of
process conditions, process execution portion 51 controls automatic
document feeder 120, document scanning unit 130, paper feed unit
150, and image forming unit 140 and allows image forming unit 140
to form an image of a document scanned by document scanning unit
130 on paper supplied from paper feed unit 150 in accordance with
the set process conditions.
[0051] When a setting of executing a print process is made as one
of process conditions, process execution portion 51 controls
communication I/F unit 112, HDD 115, external storage device 117,
image forming unit 140, and paper feed unit 150 and allows image
forming unit 140 to form an image on paper supplied from paper feed
unit 150 in accordance with the set process conditions. The image
formed by image forming unit 140 is set by one of process
conditions and is an image of print data received from a computer
connected to the network through communication I/F unit 112 or an
image of data stored in HDD 115 or external storage device 117.
[0052] When a setting of executing a data transmission process is
made as one of process conditions, process execution portion 51
controls HDD 115 and transmits data stored in HDD 115 through
communication I/F unit 112. Examples of the transmission method
include email transmission, FTP (File Transfer Protocol), and SMB
(Server Message Block). When email transmission is set as a
transmission method, an email with data attached is generated and
transmitted.
[0053] When a setting of executing a facsimile transmission process
is made as one of process conditions, process execution portion 51
controls automatic document feeder 120, document scanning unit 130,
HDD 115, external storage device 117, and facsimile unit 116 and
allows facsimile unit 116 to transmit an image of facsimile data.
The facsimile data transmitted by facsimile unit 116 is set by one
of process conditions and is an image output by document scanning
unit 130 scanning a document in accordance with the process
conditions or an image of data stored in HDD 115 or external
storage device 117.
[0054] When a setting of executing a facsimile reception process is
made as one of process conditions, process execution portion 51
controls facsimile unit 116, HDD 115, external storage device 117,
image forming unit 140, and paper feed unit 150 and outputs an
image of the received facsimile data. When a process condition of
setting HDD 115 as an output destination is set as one of process
conditions, process execution portion 51 stores an image of
facsimile data into HDD 115. When a process condition of setting
external storage device 117 as an output destination is set as one
of process conditions, process execution portion 51 stores an image
of facsimile data into a semiconductor memory attached to external
storage device 117. When a process condition of setting image
forming unit 140 as an output destination is set as one of process
conditions, process execution portion 51 outputs facsimile data to
image forming unit 140 and allows image forming unit 140 to form an
image of the facsimile data on paper. When a process condition of
setting communication I/F unit 112 as an output destination is set
as one of process conditions, process execution portion 51
generates an email with an image of facsimile data attached and
transmits the email through communication I/F unit 112.
[0055] The data edition process is a process of setting data stored
in HDD 115 as a process target and here includes a rotation process
of rotating an image of data and a deletion process of deleting
data. When a setting of executing a rotation process is made as one
of process conditions, process execution portion 51 updates data
stored in HDD 115 with data produced by rotating the image. When a
setting of executing a deletion process is made as one of process
conditions, process execution portion 51 deletes data stored in HDD
115 from HDD 115.
[0056] Setting portion 11 includes an operation screen select
portion 13, an operation screen display portion 15, and a setting
value accepting portion 19. Operation screen select portion 13
selects one of a plurality of operation screens stored beforehand
in HDD 115 and outputs the screen identification information for
identifying the selected operation screen to operation screen
display portion 15 and process specifying portion 21.
[0057] The operation screens include a setting screen and a data
select screen. The setting screen is a screen for setting a setting
value for each of one or more setting items that define process
conditions for process execution portion 51 to execute a process,
and has a setting area for displaying a setting value for each of
one or more setting items. The setting screen may have an area in
which an image of the item name for describing a setting item is
displayed in vicinity of the setting area. Examples of the setting
screen include a setting screen for allowing process execution
portion 51 to execute a scan process, a setting screen for allowing
process execution portion 51 to execute a copy process, a setting
screen for allowing process execution portion 51 to execute a copy
process, a setting screen for allowing process execution portion 51
to execute a data transmission process, a setting screen for
allowing process execution portion 51 to execute a facsimile
transmission/reception process, a setting screen for allowing
process execution portion 51 to execute a rotation process, and a
setting screen for allowing process execution portion 51 to execute
a deletion process.
[0058] The data select screen is a screen for accepting operation
of selecting data to be processed and displays first images for
identifying data to be processed in a selectable manner.
[0059] A plurality of setting screens constitute a hierarchical
structure, in which two or more setting screens are associated. As
an example of the hierarchical structure, a plurality of setting
screens are sorted into a scan process, a copy process, a print
process, a data transmission process, a facsimile
transmission/reception process, a rotation process, and a deletion
process that can be executed by process execution portion 51, and a
plurality of setting screens sorted by a plurality of processes are
further sorted by the process conditions of the processes, whereby
the setting screens sorted into higher to lower levels are
arranged. Furthermore, when there are a plurality of process
conditions, a plurality of setting screens sorted by process
conditions are sorted by levels, and the setting screens sorted
into higher to lower levels are arranged. One setting screen may be
sorted into a plurality of processes. For example, a setting screen
for setting a paper size is sorted into a copy process and a print
process.
[0060] In order to associate two or more setting screens, the
setting screens include a setting screen with the transition
function. The setting screen with the transition function has a
transition button for selecting one or more other setting screens.
When the setting screen with the transition function is displayed
on LCD 165, the user operates touch panel 169 or hard key unit 170
to designate the transition button included in the setting screen
with the transition function, so that operation screen select
portion 13 selects a setting screen associated with the designated
transition button. The setting screen also has a transition button
for selecting a data select screen. When a setting screen is
displayed on LCD 165, the user operates touch panel 169 or hard key
unit 170 to designate the transition button for selecting a data
select screen, so that operation screen select portion 13 selects a
data select screen associated with the designated transition
button.
[0061] When the user designates one of COPY key 175 and FAX key 177
of hard key unit 170, operation screen select portion 13 specifies
a process allocated to the designated key and selects a setting
screen arranged on the highest level of one or more setting screens
sorted into the specified process among a plurality of setting
screens.
[0062] Operation screen select screen 13 may display a menu screen
for selecting a process and select a setting screen sorted into the
process selected by the user in accordance with the menu screen.
For example, a menu screen including a plurality of process
identification information for identifying plural kinds of
processes is displayed on LCD 165, so that the user operates touch
panel 169 or hard key unit 170 to designate one of a plurality of
process identification information displayed on the menu screen,
thereby selecting a setting screen on the highest level that is
sorted into the process having the designated process
identification information. Furthermore, operation screen select
portion 13 may display a menu screen for selecting a setting screen
and select a setting screen selected by the user in accordance with
the menu screen. For example, a menu screen including a plurality
of screen identification information for identifying a plurality of
setting screens is displayed on LCD 165, so that the user operates
touch panel 169 or hard key unit 170 to designate one of a
plurality of screen identification information displayed on the
menu screen, thereby selecting a setting screen having the
designated screen identification information.
[0063] Operation screen select portion 13 includes a mode setting
portion 14. A mode will now be explained. The mode refers to a
state in which two or more of processes including a scan process, a
copy process, a print process, a data transmission process, a
facsimile transmission/reception process, a rotation process, and a
deletion process are selected. For example, a print process, a data
transmission process, and a facsimile transmission/reception
process are in common as the function of outputting data, so that
an output mode in which these processes are selected can be set. A
data transmission process and a facsimile transmission/reception
process are in common as the function of outputting data to the
outside, so that a transmission mode in which these processes are
selected can be set. A rotation process of rotating an image of
data and a deletion process of deleting data are in common as the
function to be executed on data, so that an edition mode in which
these processes are selected can be set. Two or more processes
selected as desired by the user from among plural kinds of
processes executable by process execution portion 51 may be set in
the same mode.
[0064] Mode setting portion 14 sets a mode when the user sets a
mode. When a mode is set, plural kinds of processes included in the
mode become selectable. When BOX key 173 of hard key unit 170 is
designated by the user, mode setting portion 14 sets the edition
mode allocated to BOX key 173. For example, a mode setting screen
for setting a mode is prepared in advance, so that mode setting
portion 14 sets a mode designated by the user in accordance with
the mode setting screen. For example, a mode setting screen
including a plurality of mode identification information for
identifying a plurality of modes is displayed on LCD 165, so that
the user operates touch panel 169 or hard key unit 170 to designate
one of a plurality of mode identification information displayed in
the mode setting screen, whereby mode setting portion 14 sets the
mode having the designated mode identification information.
[0065] When a mode is set by mode setting portion 14, operation
screen select portion 13 displays a process select screen for
selecting one of plural kinds of processes included in the set mode
and selects a setting screen sorted into the process of the kind
selected by the user in accordance with the process select screen.
For example, a process select screen including a plurality of
process identification information for identifying plural kinds of
processes included in the set mode is displayed on LCD 165, so that
the user operates touch panel 169 or hard key unit 170 to designate
one of a plurality of process identification information displayed
on the process select screen, thereby selecting a setting screen on
the highest level that is sorted into the process having the
designated process identification information. The menu screen or
the operation screen may include an option for displaying the mode
setting screen, or hard key unit 170 may include a key for invoking
the mode setting screen.
[0066] In the case where a mode is set by mode setting portion 14,
a process select screen for selecting one of plural kinds of
processes included in the set mode may include a transition key
associated with a data select screen. If the transition key
associated with the data select screen is designated when the
process select screen is being displayed, operation screen select
portion 13 selects the data select screen. In this case, even after
the data select screen is selected by operation screen select
portion 13, the mode set by mode setting portion 14 when the
process select screen is displayed is kept. However, in a case
where the mode setting screen includes the mode identification
information of the edition mode, operation screen select portion 13
selects the data select screen without displaying the process
select process when the user designates the mode identification
information of the edition mode. In this case, since the edition
mode is set by mode setting portion 14, the edition mode set by
mode setting portion 14 is kept even after the data select screen
is selected by operation screen select portion 13.
[0067] Operation screen select portion 13 selects the data select
screen when the user designates BOX key 173 of hard key unit 170.
When the user designates BOX key 173 of hard key unit 170, the
edition mode is set by mode setting portion 14. Operation screen
select portion 13 may include, in a plurality of setting screens, a
setting screen with the data select function having a transition
button to which the data select screen is allocated. When the
setting screen with the data select function is displayed on LCD
165, the user operates touch panel 169 or hard key unit 170 to
designate the transition button included in the setting screen with
the data select function, whereby operation screen select portion
13 selects the data select screen associated with the designated
transition button. The screen identification information of the
data select screens is displayed in a selectable manner in the menu
screen, so that the user designates the screen identification
information of the data select screen among a plurality of screen
identification information displayed on the menu screen, thereby
selecting the data select screen.
[0068] Operation screen display portion 15 displays an operation
screen specified by screen identification information on LCD 165,
in response to screen identification information being input from
operation screen select portion 13. Operation screen display
portion 15 outputs the screen identification information for
identifying the operation screen displayed on LCD 165 to setting
accepting portion 19. When a setting screen is identified by the
screen identification information input from operation screen
select portion 13, operation screen display portion 15 reads out
the setting screen specified by the screen identification
information from HDD 115 and outputs the read setting screen to
display control portion 161 to allow display control portion 161 to
display an image of the setting screen on LCD 165.
[0069] In the case where the operation screen specified by the
screen identification information input from operation screen
display portion 15 is a setting screen, setting accepting portion
19 accepts a setting value input by the user to operation panel 160
in accordance with the setting screen and outputs the accepted
setting value for each setting item to process execution portion
51. When any one of one or more setting areas included in the
setting screen is selected by the user, setting accepting portion
19 displays an input screen superimposed on the setting screen. The
input screen includes a plurality of input keys. A value allocated
to each of a plurality of input keys is given a key name. For
example, the input screen includes ten input keys to which numerals
0 to 9 are allocated. The input screen is not limited to the screen
including ten input keys having numerals 0 to 9 and may be a screen
including 26 input keys to which letters of the alphabet are
allocated or including a plurality of keys to which Japanese
characters are allocated. Setting accepting portion 19 accepts a
setting value based on the input key designated by the user among a
plurality of input keys included in the input screen.
[0070] When the user designates with a finger any one of a
plurality of images with key names included in the input screen
displayed on LCD 165, touch panel 169 detects the position
designated by the user. Setting value accepting portion 19
specifies which of a plurality of images with key names included in
the input screen is designated by the user, based on the
coordinates of the display surface of LCD 165 as detected by touch
panel 169, and selects the input key corresponding to the image
with the specified key name. Setting accepting portion 19 sets the
value allocated to the selected input key as a setting value in the
setting item corresponding to the setting area previously selected
by the user and outputs a set of the setting item and the setting
value to process execution portion 51. In a case where a plurality
of input keys included in the input screen are successively
designated, setting accepting portion 19 accepts, as a setting
value, a value obtained by arranging a plurality of values
allocated to a plurality of input keys in the selected order. For
example, in the case where numerals "0" to "9" are allocated to ten
input keys, when the input key with a numeral "1" is selected in
the first place and the input key with a numeral "2" is selected in
the second place, a setting value "12" is determined and accepted,
in which "2" selected in the second place is arranged to the right
of "1" selected in the first place. In the case where alphabets are
allocated to the respective 26 input keys, a string of characters
arranged in the input order is accepted as a setting value.
[0071] The data select screen is a screen for accepting operation
of selecting data to be processed and displays first images for
identifying data to be processed in a selectable manner. The data
select screen includes a first layer configured with a back ground
part and a second layer configured with a data select part in which
one or more first images are arranged. The back ground part is a
predetermined image stored in HDD 115. When the data select screen
is identified by the screen identification information input from
operation screen select portion 13, operation screen display
portion 15 reads out the back ground part on the first layer of the
data select screen from HDD 115 and outputs the read back ground
part to display control portion 161 to allow display control
portion 161 to display an image of the back ground part on LCD
165.
[0072] Operation screen display portion 15 includes a first image
display portion 17. When the operation screen specified by the
screen identification information input from operation screen
select portion 13 is the data select screen, first image display
portion 17 generates a data select part in which one or more first
images for identifying one or more data are arranged, and displays
the data select part that is the second layer superimposed on the
back ground part on the first layer displayed on LCD 165. The first
image is an image for identifying data and is a reduced image of
the image of the data. The first image may be a thumbnail image or
an image associated with data in advance. The first image is
preferably rectangular. The first image may be shaped like a
rounded rectangle. The first image may be shaped like a polygon
having a horizontal length and a vertical length.
[0073] For example, it is assumed that the data select screen
specified by the screen identification information input from
operation screen select portion 13 is a screen for selecting data
stored in a predetermined storage area of a plurality of storage
areas of HDD 115. First image display portion 17 generates a data
select part in which one or more first images for identifying one
or more data stored in a predetermined storage area of HDD 115 are
arranged, and displays the data select part that is the second
layer superimposed on the back ground part on the first layer
displayed on LCD 165. When a plurality of data are stored in a
predetermined storage area of HDD 115, first image display portion
17 generates a data select part by arranging a plurality of first
images for identifying a plurality of data at a predetermined
distance from each other such that they are not overlapped. The
predetermined distance is preferably longer than the horizontal
length of the second image as described later.
[0074] The data select part may have a size larger than the back
ground part. In this case, first image display portion 17
successively selects a part having the same size as the back ground
part from the data select part and displays the selected part on
LCD 165. The data select part is divided into a plurality of pages
having the same size as the back ground part and is displayed page
by page on LCD 165. When the data select part has a size larger
than the back ground part, first image display portion 17 accepts
scroll operation or page up/down operation from the user and
thereby successively selects the part having the same size as the
back ground part displayed on LCD 165 from the data select part or
selects a page having the same size as the back ground part and
displays the selected part or page on LCD 165.
[0075] The data select part on the second layer is transparent,
excluding where the first images are displayed. On LCD 165, the
image of the data select part on the second layer is displayed on
the back ground part on the first layer. When the data select part
has a size larger than the back ground part, scroll operation or
page up/down operation is input so that only the data select part
is scrolled or paged up/down and is displayed with the back ground
part kept the same.
[0076] First image display portion 17 outputs one or more first
image information related to one or more first images arranged in
the data select part to process specifying portion 21. Each first
image information includes data identification information of data
identified by the first image and area information indicating the
position of the first image in LCD 165.
[0077] Process specifying portion 21 receives screen identification
information from operation screen select portion 13. When the
operation screen identified by the screen identification
information input from operation screen select portion 13 is the
data select screen, process specifying portion 21 receives one or
more first image information from first image display portion 17.
When the operation screen displayed on LCD 165 is the data select
screen, process specifying portion 21 selects process target data
to be processed from among one or more data displayed in a
selectable manner on the data select screen and specifies an
execution process to be executed on the data to be processed.
[0078] Process specifying portion 21 includes a data select portion
23 for selecting process target data, an executable process
decision portion 25 for deciding an executable process that can be
executed on the process target data, a second image display portion
27, a clone image display portion 29, a clone image moving portion
31, a candidate process decision portion 33, and an execution
process decision portion 35 for deciding an execution process.
[0079] Data select portion 23 selects the data selected by the user
in accordance with the data select screen displayed on LCD 165, as
process target data. When process target data is selected, data
select portion 23 outputs data identification information for
identifying process target data to clone image display portion 29,
executable process decision portion 25, and process execution
portion 51.
[0080] Specifically, when any one of the one or more first images
displayed on LCD 165 is designated by the user continuously for a
predetermined time, data select portion 23 selects data identified
by the first image designated by the user as process target data.
The positions in the data select screen of the one or more first
images included in the data select screen are defined by the first
image information. The position designated by the user in the data
select screen is detected by touch panel 169. Data select portion
23 selects process target data based on the first image information
input from first image display portion 17 and the position
designated by the user as detected by touch panel 169. When a
position in the area in which any one of the one or more first
images displayed on LCD 165 is displayed is detected by touch panel
169 continuously for a predetermined time, data select portion 23
selects the data identified by the first image displayed at the
position detected by touch panel 169, as process target data.
[0081] When a predetermined position of any one of the one or more
first images displayed on LCD 165 is designated by the user, data
select portion 23 may select data identified by the first image
designated by the user as process target data. The predetermined
position of the first image may be set within a predetermined
section in the first image, for example, within a range at a
predetermined distance from the center of the first image.
[0082] When process target data is selected, data select portion 23
makes a display manner of the first image corresponding to the
selected process target data differ from the display manner of the
other first images. For example, the brightness of the first image
corresponding to the process target data is set higher than the
brightness of the other first images. Alternatively, the size of
the first image corresponding to the process target data is made
larger than the size of the other first images. Accordingly, the
user is notified that the first image corresponding to the process
target data is selected.
[0083] Executable process decision portion 25 decides an executable
process that can be executed on the data specified by the data
identification information, in response to the data identification
information being input from data select portion 23. When there
exist a plurality of processes that can be executed on the data,
executable process decision portion 25 decides a plurality of
processes as executable processes. Preferably, when there exist a
plurality of processes that can be executed on the data, executable
process decision portion 25 decides two as executable processes
from among a plurality of processes. Executable process decision
portion 25 outputs process identification information for
identifying the executable process to second image display portion
27. The executable process decided by executable process decision
portion 25 includes a mode including a plurality of executable
processes. Therefore, when executable process decision portion 25
decides a mode as an executable process, the process identification
information output by executable process decision portion 25 to
second image display portion 27 includes the mode identification
information for identifying the mode including a plurality of
processes.
[0084] In a case where a preset process is defined as an executable
process among plural kinds of processes that can be executed by
process execution portion 51, executable process decision portion
25 decides the preset process as an executable process. For
example, when a print process and a data transmission process are
defined as executable processes among plural kinds of processes,
the print process and the data transmission process are decided as
executable processes.
[0085] In a case where a preset process is not defined as an
executable process, if a mode is set by mode setting portion 14,
executable process decision portion 25 decides plural kinds of
processes included in the set mode as executable processes.
Specifically, when the output mode is set, a print process and a
transmission process are decided as executable processes. When the
transmission mode is set, a data transmission process and a
facsimile transmission/reception process are decided as executable
processes. When the edition mode is set, a rotation process and a
deletion process are decided as executable processes. This is
effective in a case where the upper limit of executable processes
is set to two.
[0086] In a case where three or more executable processes can be
set, when the output mode is set, a print process, a data
transmission process, and a facsimile transmission/reception
process are decided as executable processes.
[0087] When a user selection mode is set, in which two or more
selected by the operating user as desired from among plural kinds
of processes are defined, executable process decision portion 25
decides two or more processes selected by the operating user that
are included in the user selection mode, as executable
processes.
[0088] Even in the case where a preset process is defined as an
executable process, if a mode is set by mode setting portion 14,
executable process decision portion 25 may decide plural kinds of
processes included in the set mode as executable processes.
[0089] In a case where a preset process is not defined as an
executable process and where a mode is not set by mode setting
portion 14, executable process decision portion 25 decides a
predetermined number of processes as executable processes in the
order of execution frequency, from among plural kinds of processes
that can be executed by process execution portion 51. The history
of processes executed by process execution portion 51 is stored,
and the number of times of execution is counted for each of plural
kinds of processes based on the history. Then, a predetermined
number of processes are selected in the order of execution counts,
and a predetermined number of selected processes are decided as
executable processes. The predetermined number is a number
determined in advance and can be set to any number.
[0090] Even in the case where a preset process is defined as an
executable process or in the case where a mode is set by mode
setting portion 14, executable process decision portion 25 may
decide a predetermined number of processes as executable processes
in the order of execution frequency, from among plural kinds of
processes that can be executed by process execution portion 51.
[0091] Second image display portion 27 receives data identification
information from data select portion 23 and receives process
identification information from executable process decision portion
25. Second image display portion 27 displays a second image for
identifying an executable process specified by the process
identification information at a position defined based on the
position where the first image for identifying data specified by
the data identification information is arranged in the data select
part of the data select screen. Since the data select part on the
second layer is superimposed on the back ground part on the first
layer displayed on LCD 165, the second image is arranged at a
position defined based on the first image and is displayed on LCD
165. When the process identification information is mode
identification information, the second image for identifying the
mode identification information is arranged in the data select
screen.
[0092] When one or more second images are displayed, second image
display portion 27 outputs one or more second image information
related to one or more second images arranged in the data select
part to candidate process decision portion 33. Each second image
information includes process identification information of the
process specified by the second image and area information
indicating the position of the second image in LCD 165.
[0093] The second image is a thumbnail image determined in advance
corresponding to an executable process. For example, the second
image corresponding to a print process that is one of executable
processes is an image depicting a printer. The second image
corresponding to a data transmission process that is one of
executable processes is an image depicting a document being
transmitted.
[0094] When one process identification information is input from
executable process decision portion 25, second image display
portion 27 arranges and displays the second image corresponding to
the process identification information above the first image for
identifying the data specified by the data identification
information. When two process identification information are input
from executable process decision portion 25, second image display
portion 27 arranges two second images corresponding to the two
process identification information above the position where the
first image is arranged. Preferably, second image display portion
27 arranges two second images above the position where the first
image is arranged, such that they are aligned in the horizontal
direction at a distance longer than the horizontal length of the
first image. When three or more process identification information
are input from executable process decision portion 25, second image
display portion 27 arranges three or more second images
corresponding to the three or more process identification
information, in directions other than the downward direction from
the position where the first image is displayed, and at positions
where three or more of the three or more second images are not
aligned in a straight line.
[0095] Clone image display portion 29 arranges a clone image that
is a copy image of the first image corresponding to process target
data in the data select part on the second layer, in response to
data identification information being input from data select
portion 23. At the point of time when data identification
information is input from data select portion 23, the position
designated by the user has been detected by touch panel 169. Clone
image display portion 29 arranges the clone image at a position
defined based on the position detected by touch panel 169. For
example, the clone image is displayed at a position where the
center of the clone image overlaps the position detected by touch
panel 169. The clone image corresponding to the first image is thus
displayed on LCD 165. The clone image is a copy image of the first
image and partially includes a transparent portion. Therefore, in
the back ground part on the first layer and the data select part on
the second layer of the data select screen, the part that overlaps
the clone image is displayed so as to be seen through the clone
image, so that the user can visually recognize the part that
overlaps the clone image. With the clone image being displayed, the
user can know that the first image corresponding to the process
target data is selected. In response to the clone image being
displayed, clone image display portion 29 outputs a signal
indicating the clone image has been displayed to clone image moving
portion 31.
[0096] Clone image moving portion 31 arranges the clone image at a
position defined based on the position detected by touch panel 169
while the position designated by the user is being detected by
touch panel 169 after the signal indicating that the clone image
has been displayed is input from clone image display portion 29.
For example, the clone image is displayed at a position where the
center of the clone image overlaps the position detected by touch
panel 169. Every time the position detected by touch panel 169 is
changed, clone image moving portion 31 arranges the clone image at
the changed position. Therefore, if the user changes the position
designated on touch panel 169, the position where the clone image
is displayed is moved with the change of the position designated by
the user. Clone image moving portion 31 outputs a signal indicating
that the clone image is being displayed to candidate process
decision portion 33 while the position designated by the user is
being detected by touch panel 169.
[0097] Candidate process decision portion 33 detects a relative
positional relation between a clone image and each of the one or
more second images displayed by second image display portion 27,
while the signal indicating the clone image is being displayed is
being input from clone image moving portion 31. When the clone
image at least partially overlaps one of the one or more second
images, candidate process decision portion 33 determines that, of
the one or more second images, the second image overlapped with the
clone image and the clone image fall into a predetermined relative
positional relation. Candidate process decision portion 33 decides
the process identified by the second image overlapped with the
clone image as a candidate process, among the one or more second
images. While deciding a candidate process, candidate process
decision portion 33 outputs the process identification information
of the candidate process to executable process decision portion 35
and second image display portion 27.
[0098] Candidate process decision portion 33 decides the process
corresponding to the second image overlapped with the clone image
as a candidate process, while the clone image is at least partially
overlapping one of the one or more second images. While the user is
moving the clone image, the clone image may change from the state
in which it overlaps one of the one or more second images to the
state in which it does not overlap, and thereafter may at least
partially overlap another second image. In this case, candidate
process decision portion 33 decides the process identified by one
second image as a candidate process during the state in which the
clone image is overlapping one second image, does not decide a
candidate process during the state in which the clone image does
not overlap any of the one or more second images, and decides the
process identified by another second image as a candidate process
during the state in which the clone image is overlapping another
second image.
[0099] Candidate process decision portion 33 may decide the second
image arranged in the direction in which the clone image is moved,
as a candidate process, among the one or more second images. When
the user is moving the clone image, a state in which the direction
in which the clone image is moved is toward one of the one or more
second images may change to a state in which it is toward another
second image. In this case, candidate process decision portion 33
decides the process identified by one second image as a candidate
process during the state in which the direction in which the clone
image is moved is toward one second image among the one or more
second images, and candidate process decision portion 33 decides
the process identified by another second image as a candidate
process during the state in which the direction in which the clone
image is moved is toward another second image.
[0100] Second image display portion 27 includes an enlargement
portion 43 and an identification information display portion 45.
Enlargement portion 43 enlarges the size of the second image
specified by the process identification information while the
process identification information of the candidate process is
being input from candidate process decision portion 33.
Accordingly, among the one or more second images, the second image
decided as a candidate process is displayed in an enlarged size
thereby to notify the user which of the one or more second images
is selected. The user thus can recognize that the process
corresponding to the second image is to be selected.
[0101] Identification information display portion 45 displays
process identification information in the vicinity of the second
image specified by the process identification information while the
process identification information of the candidate process is
being input from candidate process decision portion 33.
Accordingly, the user can recognize that the process having the
process identification information is to be selected. The process
identification information is preferably the name of the process.
The position where the process identification information is
displayed is preferably in the area adjacent to the second image
specified by the process identification information, either on the
right or left, or below or above. The position where the process
identification information is displayed may be within the second
image.
[0102] Execution process decision portion 35 decides the candidate
process as an execution process to be executed on the process
target data when the position designated by the user is no longer
detected by touch panel 169 while the process identification
information of the candidate process is being input from candidate
process decision portion 33. When an execution process is decided,
execution process decision portion 35 outputs the process
identification information for identifying the execution process to
operation screen select portion 13.
[0103] Operation screen select portion 13 displays an operation
screen on LCD 165 as described above. In response to the process
identification information being input from execution process
decision portion 35 when the data select screen is being displayed,
operation screen select portion 13 displays a setting screen
corresponding to the process specified by the process
identification information on LCD 165. The user inputs a setting
value in accordance with the setting screen, whereby a setting
value for each item is output to process execution portion 51 as a
process condition for process execution portion 51 to execute the
execution process. When the process identification information is
mode identification information, operation screen select portion 13
displays a process select screen corresponding to the mode
identification information on LCD 165.
[0104] Process execution portion 51 receives data identification
information from data select portion 23 and receives a process
condition from setting accepting portion 19. Process execution
portion 51 sets the data specified by the data identification
information input from data select portion 23 as process target
data and executes the process in accordance with the process
condition input from setting accepting portion 19.
[0105] When an execution process is decided, execution process
decision portion 35 may output the process identification
information for identifying the execution process to process
execution portion 51 to allow process execution portion 51 to
execute the process specified by the process identification
information. In this case, process execution portion 51 may execute
the process specified by the process identification information on
the data specified by the data identification information input
from data select portion 23 in accordance with process conditions
defined by default.
[0106] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are flowcharts showing an exemplary flow
of an operation condition setting process in the first embodiment.
The operation condition setting process is a process executed by
CPU 111 by CPU 111 of MFP 100 executing a setting program stored in
ROM 113, HDD 115, or CD-ROM 118. Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6,
CPU 111 displays a menu screen on LCD 165 (step S01). For example,
the menu screen is an operation screen defined by default.
[0107] In the next step S02, it is determined whether an operation
screen is selected. It is determined that an operation screen is
selected if the user selects one of a plurality of screen
identification information included in the menu screen in the state
in which the menu screen is displayed on LCD 165, or if the user
selects the transition button in the state in which the operation
screen with the transition function is displayed on LCD 165. If an
operation screen is selected, CPU 111 proceeds to step S03. If not,
CPU 111 proceeds to step S05.
[0108] In step S03, the selected operation screen is displayed on
LCD 165. When the user selects one of a plurality of screen
identification information in the state in which the menu screen is
displayed on LCD 165, the operation screen specified by the
selected screen identification information is displayed on LCD 165.
When the user selects the transition button in the state in which
the operation screen with the transition function is displayed on
LCD 165, the operation screen specified by the screen
identification information allocated to the transition button is
displayed on LCD 165.
[0109] In step S04, it is determined whether the operation screen
displayed on LCD 165 is the data select screen. If the data select
screen is displayed on LCD 165, the process proceeds to step S05.
If not, the process proceeds to step S06. In step S05, the first
image corresponding to the data is displayed.
[0110] Specifically, the back ground part of the data select screen
is displayed in step S03. The data select screen is a screen that
displays data stored in HDD 115 in a selectable manner. Therefore,
in step S05, the data select part is generated, in which one or
more first images for identifying one or more data stored in an
area specified by the data select screen among a plurality of
storage areas of HDD 115 are arranged. The data select part on the
second layer superimposed on the back ground part on the first
layer displayed on LCD 165 is then displayed. If the data select
part has a size larger than the back ground part, a part of the
data select part is successively selected, and the selected part is
displayed on LCD 165. Scroll operation by the user is accepted,
whereby the part to be displayed on LCD 165 is successively
selected from the data select part, and the selected part is
displayed on LCD 165.
[0111] In step S06, similar to step S04, it is determined whether
the operation screen displayed on LCD 165 is the data select
screen. If the data select screen is displayed on LCD 165, the
process proceeds to step S07. If not, the process proceeds to step
S29.
[0112] In the next step S07, it is determined whether the first
image is designated. If one or more first images displayed on LCD
165 are designated (YES in step S07), the process proceeds to step
S08. If not, the process returns to step S02. In step S08, it is
determined whether the time elapsed since the first image is
designated in step S07 reaches a predetermined time. If a
predetermined time has elapsed since the first image is designated,
the process proceeds to step S09. If not, the process returns to
step S07. The process may proceed to step S09 if an area within a
predetermined range from the center of the first image is
designated in step S07.
[0113] In step S09, the data specified by the first image
designated in step S07 is decided as process target data. The
process then proceeds to step S10. In step S10, the display manner
of the first image designated in step S07 is changed. Here, the
brightness of the first image is changed to a higher value. An
executable process decision process is then executed. The process
then proceeds to step S12. The executable process decision process,
which will be detailed later, is a process of deciding a process
that can be executed by MFP 100 on the process target data. Here, a
print process and a data transmission process are determined in
advance as executable processes, by way of example.
[0114] In step S12, a second image display process is executed. The
process then proceeds to step S13. The second image display
process, which will be detailed later, is a process of displaying
the second image for identifying an executable process at a
position defined based on the position where the first image is
displayed.
[0115] In step S13, a clone image that is a copy image of the first
image is displayed on LCD 165. The process then proceeds to step
S14. The position where the clone image is displayed is the
position where the center of the clone image overlaps the position
detected by touch panel 169. The clone image is a copy image of the
first image and is at least partially transparent. Therefore, the
back ground part on the first layer can be displayed so as to be
visually recognized by the user through the transparent portion of
the clone image.
[0116] In step S14, it is determined whether the designated
position is moved. It is determined that the designated position is
moved if the position detected by touch panel 169 is changed since
the clone image is displayed in step S13 by designating the first
image in step S07. If it is determined that the designated position
is moved, the process proceeds to step S15. If not, the process
proceeds to step S24. In step S15, the position where the clone
image is displayed is moved. Specifically, the clone image is
displayed at the position where the center of the clone image
overlaps the position detected by touch panel 169.
[0117] In the next step S16, it is determined whether the clone
image overlaps any one of the one or more second images. If at
least part of the clone image overlaps any one of the one or more
second images, the process proceeds to step S17. If not, the
process proceeds to step S20.
[0118] In step S17, a candidate process is decided. The process
corresponding to the second image that is overlapped with the clone
image among the one or more second images is decided as a candidate
process. The second image corresponding to the candidate process is
then displayed in an enlarged size (step S18). With the second
image being displayed in an enlarged size, the user is notified
that the second image is being selected. In addition, the process
name of the process corresponding to the second image is displayed
adjacent to the second image (step S19). The process then proceeds
to step S24. Here, the process name is displayed below the second
image. With the process name being displayed below the second
image, the user is notified of the selected process.
[0119] On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S20,
step S17 may be executed earlier, and a candidate process may have
been decided. This is the case where the user moves the clone image
to the position where the clone image overlaps any one of the one
or more second images, and the user thereafter moves the clone
image to a position where it does not overlap any of the one or
more second images. In step S20, it is determined whether a
candidate process has been decided. If a candidate process has been
decided, the process proceeds to step S21. If not, the process
proceeds to step S24. In step S21, the enlarged display of the
second image is terminated. The second image displayed in an
enlarged size by executing step S18 is displayed in the original
size. The display of the process name is then terminated (step
S22). The display of the process name displayed by executing step
S19 is terminated. In step S23, the candidate process decided in
step S17 is cancelled. The process then proceeds to step S24.
[0120] In step S24, it is determined whether the designation is
terminated. It is determined that the designation is terminated if
the position detected by touch panel 169 is no longer detected. If
the designation is terminated, the process proceeds to step S25. If
not, the process returns to step S14.
[0121] When the process proceeds to step S25, a candidate process
may have been decided by executing step S17. In step S25, it is
determined whether a candidate process has been decided. If a
candidate process has been decided, the process proceeds to step
S26. If not, the process returns to step S07. In step S26, the
candidate process is decided as an execution process. The process
then proceeds to step S27. In step S27, the display manner of the
first image is returned to the original manner. The process then
proceeds to step S28. When the process proceeds to step S27, the
display manner of the first image has been changed in step S10.
[0122] In step S28, the first image is animated toward the second
image. Specifically, a clone image that is a copy of the first
image designated in step S07 is moved from the position of the
first image toward the position of the second image corresponding
to the execution process decided in step S27. At the point of time
when the clone image overlaps the second image, termination of the
display of the clone image is displayed. Furthermore, the clone
image is displayed so as to be gradually reduced such that the
clone image becomes smaller as it moves from the first image to the
second image. Accordingly, the user is notified by animation that
the execution process specified by the second image is being
executed on the data specified by the first image.
[0123] In the next step S29, the operation screen corresponding to
the execution process decided in step S27 is displayed on LCD 165.
The process then proceeds to step S30. The operation screen
corresponding to the execution process is a setting screen for
setting a process condition for allowing MFP 100 to execute the
execution process. The user is thus allowed to set a setting value
in accordance with the setting screen appearing on LCD 165.
[0124] In the next step S30, the setting value input by the user to
operation panel 160 is accepted. It is then determined whether the
start key of operation panel 160 is pressed (step S31). If the
start key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S32. If not, the
process returns to step S30.
[0125] In step S32, the execution process is executed on the
process target data decided in step S09 in accordance with the
setting value set in step S30. The process then ends.
[0126] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an exemplary flow of the
executable process decision process. The executable process
decision process is a process executed in step S11 in the operation
condition setting process shown in FIG. 5. Referring to FIG. 7, CPU
111 determines whether a preset process is defined as an executable
process (step S41). If a preset process is defined, the process
proceeds to step S42. If not, the process proceeds to step S43. In
step S42, two preset processes are decided as executable processes.
The process then returns to the operation condition setting
process. For example, a print process and a data transmission
process can be defined as two preset processes that can be set as
executable processes.
[0127] In step S43, it is determined whether a mode is set. If a
mode is set, the process proceeds to step S44. If not, the process
proceeds to step S45. The mode is set by the operating user
designating a mode. When BOX key 173 of hard key unit 170 is
designated by the operating user, the edition mode is set. If the
user operates touch panel 169 or hard key unit 170 to designate any
one of a plurality of mode identification information displayed on
the mode setting screen when the mode setting screen is being
displayed on LCD 165, the mode having the designated mode
identification information is set.
[0128] In step S44, the process sorted into the set mode is decided
as an executable process. The process then returns to the operation
condition setting process. Specifically, when the output mode is
set, a print process, a data transmission process, and a facsimile
transmission/reception process are decided as executable processes.
When the transmission mode is set, a data transmission process and
a facsimile transmission/reception process are decided as
executable processes. When the edition mode is set, a rotation
process and a deletion process are decided as executable
processes.
[0129] In step S45, a predetermined number of highest processes are
decided as executable processes from among the processes with high
execution frequency. The process then returns to the operation
condition setting process. The history of processes executed in MFP
100 is stored, and the number of times of execution is counted for
each of plural kinds of processes that can be executed by MFP 100.
Then, a predetermined number of processes are selected in the order
of execution count, and a predetermined number of selected
processes are decided as executable processes. The predetermined
number is a number determined in advance and can be set to any
number.
[0130] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an exemplary flow of the
second image display process. The second image display process is a
process executed in step S12 in the operation condition setting
process shown in FIG. 5. In the operation condition setting
process, process target data is decided in step S09, and an
executable process is decided in step S11, before step S12 is
executed. Referring to FIG. 8, the second image corresponding to
the executable process is read out from HDD 115 (step S51). If a
plurality of executable processes have been decided, a plurality of
second images corresponding to a plurality of executable processes
are read out from HDD 115.
[0131] In step S52, the process branches depending on the number of
executable processes. If there is one executable process, the
process proceeds to step S53. If there are two executable
processes, the process proceeds to step S54. If there are three or
more executable processes, the process proceeds to step S55.
[0132] In step S53, one second image is displayed above the first
image, and the process returns to the operation condition setting
process. In step S54, two second images are displayed above the
first image in the horizontal direction at a distance longer than
the horizontal length of the first image, and the process returns
the operation condition setting process. In step S55, three or more
second images are arranged and displayed in directions other than
the downward direction from the first image, at positions where
three or more of the three or more second images are not aligned in
the same straight line. The process then returns to the operation
condition setting process.
[0133] FIG. 9 is a first diagram showing an example of the data
select screen. Referring to FIG. 9, a data select screen 301
includes eight first images 311 to 318 corresponding to eight data.
Below first images 311 to 318, the respective document names as
data identification information of the corresponding data, namely,
a document A to a document H are arranged. FIG. 9 shows a state in
which first image 315 is designated by the user. First image 315 is
hatched in the figure to indicate that first image 315 is displayed
with a brightness higher than the other first images 311 to 314 and
316 to 318. Accordingly, the user is notified that first image 315
is being selected. A clone image 315A of first image 315 is shown
with a rectangular dotted line for the sake of illustration. Clone
image 315A is a copy image of first image 315 and is partially
transparent.
[0134] Two second images 321 and 322 are arranged outside of first
image 315. Second image 321 is an image corresponding to a print
process and depicting a printer. Second image 322 is an image
corresponding to a data transmission process and depicting a
document being transmitted. The two second images 321 and 322 are
arranged above the position where first image 315 is arranged, such
that they are aligned in the horizontal direction at a distance
longer than the horizontal length of first image 315.
[0135] The two second images 321 and 322 are arranged above the
position where the first image 315 is arranged, thereby preventing
the two second images 321 and 322 from being hidden under the
user's finger or hand and becoming out of sight during the
operation of moving clone image 315A. The two second images 321 and
322 are arranged so as to be aligned in the horizontal direction at
a distance longer than the horizontal length of first image 315,
thereby preventing clone image 315A from overlapping the two second
images 321 and 322 at the same time. Therefore, the operation of
overlaying clone image 315A onto any one of second images 321 and
322 becomes easy.
[0136] FIG. 10 is a second diagram showing an example of the data
select screen. FIG. 10 shows a state in which the user moves clone
image 315A such that clone image 315A partially overlaps second
image 322 in data select screen 301 shown in FIG. 9.
[0137] Referring to FIG. 10, a second image 322A is displayed in an
enlarged size. Second image 322A is hatched in the figure to
indicate that second image 322A is displayed with a higher
brightness than second image 322 shown in FIG. 9. Clone image 315A
partially overlaps second image 322A. In addition, an area 322B is
arranged below second image 322A to display "data transmission"
that is the name of the data transmission process corresponding to
second image 322A.
[0138] Second image 322A is displayed in an enlarged size and with
a higher brightness, and the name of the data transmission process
is additionally displayed, thereby to indicate to the operating
user that the data transmission process corresponding to second
image 322A is selected.
[0139] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of three
or more second images. Referring to FIG. 11, five second images 341
to 345 are arranged for a first image 331, by way of example.
Second images 341 to 345 are arranged in directions other than the
downward direction from the position where first image 331 is
arranged, at positions where three or more of the five second
images 341 to 345 are not aligned in a straight line. Second images
341 to 345 are arranged above the center of first image 331.
[0140] Second images 341 to 345 are arranged in directions other
than the downward direction from the position where first image 331
is arranged, thereby preventing second images 341 to 345 from being
hidden under the user's finger or hand and becoming out of
sight.
[0141] The clone image of first image 331 can be moved upward from
the position of first image 331 to overlap second image 343. The
clone image of first image 331 can be moved rightward from the
position of first image 331 to overlap second image 345. The clone
image of first image 331 can be moved leftward from the position of
first image 331 to overlap second image 341. The clone image of
first image 331 can be moved toward the upper right from the
position of first image 331 to overlap second image 344. The clone
image of first image 331 can be moved toward the upper left from
the position of first image 331 to overlap second image 342.
Accordingly, the five second images 341 to 345 are arranged at
positions where three or more of them are not aligned in a straight
line, thereby facilitating the operation of overlaying the clone
image onto any one of second images 341 to 345 in the direction in
which the clone image of first image 331 is moved.
[0142] As described above, MFP 100 in the first embodiment
functions as a data processing apparatus. MFP 100 in the first
embodiment displays the data select screen thereby to display a
first image for identifying data, detects the position designated
by the user with touch panel 169, and selects data identified by
the first image as process target data and displays a clone image
corresponding to the first image when the first image is designated
continuously for a predetermined time. In response to the process
target data being selected, MFP 100 further arranges and displays
two second images for identifying two predetermined executable
processes, among one or more kinds of processes that can be
executed on the process target data, at positions defined based on
the position where the first image is displayed. While the position
designated by the user is being detected continuously, the clone
image is moved with movement of the position designated by the
user. When the clone image at least partially overlaps one of the
two second images, the process identified by the second image
overlapped with the clone image is decided as a candidate process.
Thereafter, when the position designated by the user is no longer
detected, the candidate process is decided as an execution process
to be executed on the process target data. In this way, in response
to the process target data being displayed, a clone image is
displayed, and one or more second images are arranged and displayed
at positions defined based on the position where the first image is
displayed, thereby facilitating the operation of moving the clone
image to the position where it overlaps any one of the one or more
second images. Accordingly, designation of data and designation of
a process to be executed on that data can be done with a single
operation.
[0143] Two second images corresponding to predetermined two
processes are displayed, so that one of the two processes can be
designated. Furthermore, the two second images are displayed above
the position where the first image is displayed, thereby preventing
the two second images from being hidden under the user's hand
designating the first image and from becoming out of sight of the
user.
[0144] The two second images are arranged to be aligned in the
horizontal direction at a distance longer than the horizontal
length of the clone image, thereby preventing the clone image from
overlapping the two second images at the same time.
[0145] When the number of one or more kinds of processes that can
be executed on the process target data is three or more, MFP 100
arranges three or more second images for identifying three or more
executable processes at positions, excluding the position below the
first image, where three or more of the three or more second images
are not aligned in the same straight line.
[0146] The position where three or more of the three or more second
images are not aligned in the same straight line refers to a
position where, in any one of a plurality of sets of two second
images included in the three or more second image, another second
image is not arranged in a straight line specified by two second
images included in the set. Specifically, three second images
include three sets of two second images. Four second images include
six sets of two second images. For example, for three seconds image
A, B, and C, a first set of second image A and second image B, a
second set of second image B and second image C, and a third set of
second image A and second image C can be made. The positions where
three or more of the three second images A, B, and C are not
aligned in the same straight line refer to the positions where
second image C is not arranged in a straight line between the
respective midpoints of second image A and second image B in the
first set, where second image A is not arranged in a straight line
between the respective midpoints of second image B and second image
C in the second set, and where second image B is not arranged in a
straight line between the respective midpoints of second image A
and second image C in the third set. Therefore, one of the three or
more executable processes can be designated for the process target
data. Three or more second images are arranged at positions where
three or more of the three or more second images are not aligned in
the same straight line, so that the three or more second images are
arranged in different directions from the first image, whereby any
one of the three or more second images can be selected in the
direction in which the clone image is moved. In addition, the three
or more second images are arranged at positions excluding the
position below the first image, thereby preventing the three or
more second images from being hidden under the user's hand
designating the first image and from becoming out of sight of the
user.
[0147] The three or more second images may be arranged at
positions, excluding the position below the first image, where the
directions from a predetermined position of the first image are
different, rather than being arranged at positions where three or
more of the three or more second images are not aligned in the same
straight line. One or more second images are arranged at positions
where the directions from a predetermined position of the first
image are different, so that the user only has to vary the
directions in which the finger is moved, in order to select any one
of the one or more second images. The operation thus becomes easy.
In addition, one or more second images are arranged at positions
excluding the position below the first image, thereby preventing
three or more second images from being hidden under the user's hand
designating the first image and from becoming out of sight of the
user.
[0148] One or more kinds of processes executable by MFP 100 are
sorted into a plurality of modes. When any one of a plurality of
modes is selected, one or more executable processes are decided
from among the kinds of processes sorted into the selected mode.
Accordingly, when the user selects a mode, one or more second
images for identifying one or more processes sorted into the
selected mode are displayed, thereby facilitating the operation of
selecting a process.
[0149] While a candidate process is being decided, the second image
for identifying the candidate process is displayed in an enlarged
size, thereby notifying the user that the candidate process is
being selected.
[0150] In addition, while a candidate process is being decided, the
process name is displayed as identification information for
identifying the candidate process, thereby notifying the user of
the process name of the candidate process.
[0151] When a plurality of first images are arranged in the data
select screen, one or more second images are displayed at positions
where they do not overlap a plurality of first images. Therefore,
the one or more first images are displayed in an easily visible
manner, and the operation of overlaying the clone image onto any
one of the one or more second images becomes easy.
Second Embodiment
[0152] The external view of MFP 100 in the second embodiment is the
same as the perspective view shown in FIG. 1. The hardware
configuration of MFP 100 in the second embodiment is the same as in
the block diagram shown in FIG. 2. The plane view of the operation
panel of MFP 100 in the second embodiment is the same as the plan
view shown in FIG. 3.
[0153] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of functions
of the CPU of the MFP in the second embodiment. Referring to FIG.
12, the functions of the CPU of the MFP in the second embodiment
differ from those in the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 4 in
that process specifying portion 21 is changed to a process
specifying portion 21A. More specifically, clone image display
portion 29 and clone image moving portion 31 of process specifying
portion 21 shown in FIG. 4 are deleted, and second image display
portion 27, candidate process decision portion 33, and executable
process decision portion 35 are changed to a second image display
portion 27A, a candidate process decision portion 33A, and an
executable process decision portion 35A. The other functions are
the same as the functions shown in FIG. 4, and therefore a
description thereof will not be repeated here.
[0154] Process specifying portion 21A receives screen
identification information from operation screen select portion 13.
When the operation screen identified by the screen identification
information input from operation screen select portion 13 is the
data select screen, process specifying portion 21A also receives
one or more first image information from first image display
portion 17. When the operation screen displayed on LCD 165 is the
data select screen, process specifying portion 21A selects process
target data to be processed from among one or more data displayed
in a selectable manner in the data select screen and specifies an
execution process to be executed on the data to be processed.
[0155] Process specifying portion 21A includes data select portion
23 for selecting process target data, executable process decision
portion 25 for deciding an executable process that can be executed
on the process target data, second image display portion 27A,
candidate process decision portion 33A, and execution process
decision portion 35A for deciding an execution process.
[0156] Second image display portion 27A receives data
identification information from data select portion 23 and receives
process identification information from executable process decision
portion 25. Second image display portion 27A arranges a second
image for identifying the executable process specified by the
process identification information at a position defined based on
the position detected by touch panel 169 at the point of time when
data identification information is input from data select portion
23. The data select part on the second layer is superimposed on the
back ground part on the first layer displayed on LCD 165, so that
the second image is arranged at the position defined based on the
first image and is displayed on LCD 165.
[0157] When one or more second images are displayed, second image
display portion 27A outputs one or more second image information
related to the one or more second images arranged in the data
select part to candidate process decision portion 33A. Each second
image information includes process identification information of
the process specified by the second image and area information
indicating the position of the second image in LCD 165.
[0158] The second image is a predetermined thumbnail image
corresponding to an executable process. For example, the second
image corresponding to a print process that is one of executable
processes is an image depicting a printer. The second image
corresponding to a data transmission process that is one of
executable processes is an image depicting a document being
transmitted.
[0159] Second image display portion 27A decides the position
detected by touch panel 169 at the point of time when data
identification information is input from data select portion 23, as
a start position. Then, when one process identification information
is input from executable process decision portion 25, the second
image corresponding to the process identification information is
arranged and displayed above the start position. When two process
identification information are input from executable process
decision portion 25, second image display portion 27A arranges two
second images corresponding to the two process identification
information above the start position. Preferably, second image
display portion 27A arranges two second images above the start
portion such that they are aligned in the horizontal direction.
[0160] When three or more process identification information are
input from executable process decision portion 25, second image
display portion 27A arranges three or more second images
corresponding to the three or more process identification
information above the start position. Preferably, second image
display portion 27A arranges three or more second images above the
start position and such that they are aligned in the horizontal
direction.
[0161] Preferably, when three or more process identification
information are input from executable process decision portion 25,
second image display portion 27 arranges three or more second
images corresponding to the three or more process identification
information in directions other than the downward direction from
the start position and at positions where three or more of the
three or more second images are not aligned in a straight line.
[0162] Candidate process decision portion 33A detects a relative
positional relation between the position detected by touch panel
169 and one or more second images while the position designated by
the user is being detected by touch panel 169 after the data
identification information of the process target data is input from
data select portion 23. If the position designated by the user as
detected by touch panel 169 overlaps any one of the one or more
second images, candidate process decision portion 33A determines
that the second image overlapped with the position detected by
touch panel 169 among the one or more second images and the
position detected by touch 169 fall into a predetermined relative
positional relation. Candidate process decision portion 33A decides
the process identified by the second image overlapped with the
position detected by touch panel 169 as a candidate process among
the one or more second images. While a candidate process is being
decided, candidate process decision portion 33A outputs the process
identification information of the candidate process to execution
process decision portion 35A and second image display portion
27A.
[0163] Candidate process decision portion 33A decides a process
corresponding to the second image overlapped with the position
detected by touch panel 169 as a candidate process while the
position detected by touch panel 169 is overlapping any one of the
one or more second images. When the user is moving the position
designated on touch panel 169, the position detected by touch panel
169 may change from the state in which it overlaps one of the one
or more second image to a state in which it does not overlap, and
thereafter may overlap another second image. In this case,
candidate process decision portion 33A decides a process identified
by one second image as a candidate process during the state in
which the position detected by touch panel 169 is overlapping the
second image, does not decide a candidate process during the state
in which the position detected by touch panel 169 does not overlap
any of the one or more second images, and decides a process
identified by another second image as a candidate process during
the state in which the position detected by touch panel 169 is
overlapping another second image.
[0164] Candidate process decision portion 33A may decide a second
image arranged in the direction in which the position detected by
touch panel 169 is moved, as a candidate process among the one or
more second images. When the user is moving the designated position
on touch panel 169, a state in which the direction in which the
position detected by touch panel 169 is moved is toward one of the
one or more second images may be change to a state in which it is
toward another second image. In this case, candidate process
decision portion 33A decides the process identified by one second
image as a candidate process during the state in which the
direction in which the position detected by touch panel 169 is
moved is toward one second image of the one or more second images,
and candidate process decision portion 33A decides the process
identified by another second image as a candidate process during
the state in which the direction in which the position detected by
touch panel 169 is moved is toward another second image.
[0165] Second image display portion 27A includes an enlargement
portion 43 and an identification information display portion 45.
Enlargement portion 43 enlarges the size of the second image
specified by the process identification information while the
process identification information of the candidate process is
being input from candidate process decision portion 33A.
Accordingly, the second image decided as a candidate process among
the one or more second images is displayed in an enlarges size, so
that the user can visually recognize which of one or more second
images is selected, and can recognize that a process corresponding
to the second image is selected.
[0166] Identification information display portion 45 displays
process identification information in the vicinity of the second
image specified by the process identification information while the
process identification information of the candidate process is
being input from candidate process decision portion 33A.
Accordingly, the user can recognize that the process having the
process identification information is to be selected. The process
identification information is preferably the name of the process.
The position where the process identification information is
displayed is preferably in the area adjacent to the second image
specified by the process identification information, either on the
right or left, or below or above. The position where the process
identification information is displayed may be within the second
image.
[0167] Execution process decision portion 35A decides the candidate
process as an execution process to be executed on the process
target data when the position designated by the user is no longer
detected by touch panel 169 while the process identification
information of the candidate process is being input from candidate
process decision portion 33A. When an execution process is decided,
execution process decision portion 35A outputs the process
identification information for identifying the execution process to
operation screen select portion 13.
[0168] Operation screen select portion 13 displays an operation
screen on LCD 165 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
Operation screen select portion 13 displays a setting screen
corresponding to the process specified by the process
identification information on LCD 165, in response to the process
identification information being input from execution process
decision portion 35A when the data select screen is being
displayed. The user inputs a setting value in accordance with the
setting screen, whereby a setting value for each item is output to
process execution portion 51 as a process condition for process
execution portion 51 to execute the execution process.
[0169] Process execution portion 51 receives data identification
information from data select portion 23 and receives a process
condition from setting accepting portion 19. Process execution
portion 51 sets the data specified by the data identification
information input from data select portion 23 as process target
data and executes the process in accordance with the process
condition input from setting accepting portion 19.
[0170] FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are flowcharts showing an exemplary flow
of an operation condition setting process in the second embodiment.
The operation condition setting process in the second embodiment is
a process executed by CPU 111A by CPU 111A of MFP 100 in the second
embodiment executing a setting program stored in ROM 113, HDD 115,
or CD-ROM 118. Referring to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the operation
condition setting process differs from that in the first embodiment
shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 in that steps S13 and S15 are deleted
and in that steps S12, S16, and S17 are changed to steps S12A,
S16A, and S17A, respectively. The other process is the same as the
process shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, and therefore a description
thereof will not be repeated here.
[0171] In step S12A, a second image display process in the second
embodiment is executed. The process then proceeds to step S14. FIG.
15 is a flowchart showing an exemplary flow of the second image
display process in the second embodiment. The second image display
process in the second embodiment is a process executed in step S12A
in the operation condition setting process shown in FIG. 13. In the
operation condition setting process in the second embodiment,
process target data is decided in step S09, and an executable
process is decided in step S11, before step S12A is executed.
Referring to FIG. 15, the second image corresponding to the
executable process is read out from HDD 115 (step S51). If a
plurality of executable processes are decided, a plurality of
second images corresponding to a plurality of executable processes
are read out from HDD 115.
[0172] In step S52, the process branches depending on the number of
executable processes. If there is one executable process, the
process proceeds to step S53A. If there are two executable
processes, the process proceeds to step S54A. If there are three or
more executable processes, the process proceeds to step S55A.
[0173] In step S53A, one second image is displayed above the start
position, and the process returns to the operation condition
setting process. In step S54A, two second images are arranged and
displayed above the start position in the horizontal direction, and
the process returns the operation condition setting process. In
step S55A, three or more second images are arranged and displayed
in directions other than the downward direction from the start
position, at positions where three or more of the three or more
images are not aligned in the same straight line. The process then
returns to the operation condition setting process.
[0174] Returning to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, in step S12A, the second
image display process in the second embodiment is executed, whereby
one or more second images are displayed. Then, in the next step
S14, it is determined whether the designated position is moved. If
the position detected by touch panel 169 is changed since the first
image is designated in step S07, it is determined that the
designated position is moved. If it is determined that the
designated position is moved, the process proceeds to step S16A. If
not, the process proceeds to step S24.
[0175] In step S16A, it is determined whether the designated
position overlaps any one of the one or more second images. If the
position detected by touch panel 169 overlaps any one of the one or
more second images, the process proceeds to step S17A. If not, the
process proceeds to step S20.
[0176] In step S17A, a candidate process is decided. The process
corresponding to the second image overlapped with the position
detected by touch panel 169 is decided as a candidate process among
the one or more second images.
[0177] FIG. 16 is a first diagram showing an example of the data
select screen in the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 16, a
data select screen 351 in the second embodiment includes a first
image 361 and a second image 363 corresponding to two data. It is
further shown that the user designates the inside of first image
361 with a finger 381. Two second images 371 and 372 are
additionally displayed in first image 361. Second image 371 is an
image corresponding to a print process and depicting a printer.
Second image 372 is an image corresponding to a data transmission
process and depicting a document being transmitted. The two second
images 371 and 372 are arranged above a start position 381
designated by the user with the finger in the inside of the first
image 361 and such that they are aligned in the horizontal
direction.
[0178] A process is selected by the user moving the finger to one
of second images 371 and 372 while touching touch panel 169. For
example, if the position designated by the finger overlaps second
image 371, a print process is selected. If the position designated
by the finger overlaps second image 372, a data transmission
process is selected.
[0179] FIG. 17 is a second diagram showing an example of the data
select screen in the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 17, a
data select screen 391 in the second embodiment includes character
images such as file names of nine data, as first images 341 to 349.
It is further shown that the user designates the inside of first
image 346 with a finger. Two second images 371 and 372 are
additionally displayed above first image 346 in the vicinity
thereof. Second image 371 is an image corresponding to a print
process and depicting a printer. Second image 372 is an image
corresponding to a data transmission process and depicting a
document being transmitted. The two second images 371 and 372 are
arranged above start position 381 designated by the user with the
finger in the inside of first image 361 and such that they are
aligned in the horizontal direction.
[0180] A process is selected by the user moving the finger to one
of second images 371 and 372 while touching touch panel 169. For
example, if the position designated by the finger overlaps second
image 371, a print process is selected. If the position designated
by the finger overlaps second image 372, a data transmission
process is selected.
[0181] As described above, MFP 100 in the second embodiment
functions as a data processing apparatus. MFP 100 in the second
embodiment displays the data select screen thereby to display a
first image for identifying data, detects the position designated
by the user with touch panel 169, and selects data identified by
the first image as process target data when the first image is
designated continuously for a predetermined time. In response to
the process target data being selected, MFP 100 arranges and
displays two second images for identifying predetermined two
executable processes, among one or more kinds of processes that can
be executed on the process target data, at positions defined based
on the position designated by the user. Then, if the position
designated by the user overlaps one of the two second images while
the position designated by the user is continuously detected, the
process identified by the second image overlapped with the position
designated by the user is decided as a candidate process.
Thereafter, when the position designated by the user is no longer
detected, the candidate process is decided as an execution process
to be executed on the process target data. In this way, in response
to process target data being selected, one or more second images
are arranged and displayed at positions defined based on the
position designated by the user, thereby facilitating the operation
of moving the position designated by the user to the position where
it overlaps any one of the one or more second images. Accordingly,
designation of data and designation of a process to be executed on
that data can be done with a single operation.
[0182] Two second images corresponding to predetermined two
processes are displayed, so that one of the two processes can be
designated. Furthermore, the two second images are displayed above
the start position designated by the user, thereby preventing the
two second images from being hidden under the user's hand
designating the first image and from becoming out of sight of the
user.
[0183] When the number of one or more kinds of processes that can
be executed on the process target data is two or more, two second
images for identifying the two executable processes are arranged
above the start position. Therefore, one of the two processes that
can be executed on the process target data can be designated. The
two second images are arranged above the start position designated
by the user, thereby preventing the two second images from being
hidden under the user's hand designating the first image and from
becoming out of sight of the user.
[0184] The two second images are arranged such that they are
aligned in the horizontal direction above the start position, so
that the two second images can be arranged in different directions
from the start position designated by the user.
[0185] When the number of one or more kinds of processes that can
be executed on the process target data is three or more, three or
more second images for identifying three or more executable
processes are arranged at positions, excluding a position below the
start position designated by the user, where three or more of the
three or more second images are not aligned in the same straight
line. Accordingly, one can be designated from among three or more
executable processes that can be executed on the process target
data. The three or more second images are arranged at positions
where three or more of the three or more second images are not
aligned in the same straight line, so that the three or more second
images can be arranged such that the directions from the start
position designated by the user are different, thereby facilitating
the operation of selecting any one of the three or more second
images. The three or more second images are arranged at positions
excluding the position below the start position designated by the
user, thereby preventing the three or more second images from being
hidden under the user's hand designating the first image and from
becoming out of sight of the user.
[0186] One or more second images are arranged at positions where
the directions from the start position are different, so that the
user only has to vary the direction of the operation of moving the
finger from the start position in order to select any one of the
one or more second images. The operation thus becomes easy. One or
more second image are arranged at positions excluding the position
below the first image, thereby preventing three or more second
images from being hidden under the user's hand designating the
first image and from becoming out of sight of the user.
[0187] In the foregoing embodiments, MFP 100 has been described as
an example of the data processing apparatus. However, it is
needless to say that the present invention can be understood as a
setting method for allowing MFP 100 to execute the operation
condition setting process shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 8 or FIG. 12 to
FIG. 15 or a setting program for allowing CPU 111 controlling MFP
100 to execute the setting method.
[0188] Although the present invention has been described and
illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by
way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way
of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being
limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
REMARKS
[0189] (1) The data processing apparatus according to any one of
claims 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined relative positional
relation is a positional relation of being at least partially
overlapped with the clone image displayed by the clone image
display means.
[0190] (2) The data processing apparatus according to any one of
claims 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined relative positional
relation is a positional relation of being arranged in a direction
in which the clone image is moved, based on the clone image
displayed by the clone image moving means.
[0191] (3) The data processing apparatus according to any one of
claims 7 to 13, wherein the predetermined relative positional
relation is a positional relation of being overlapped with the
position detected by the position detection means.
[0192] (4) The data processing apparatus according to any one of
claims 7 to 13, wherein the predetermined relative positional
relation is a positional relation of being arranged in a direction
in which the position continuously detected by the position
detection means is moved, based on the position detected by the
position detection means.
[0193] (5) The data processing apparatus according to any one of
claims 1 to 16, (1) to (4), wherein the data select means selects
data identified by the first image as process target data to be
processed, in response to a position in the first image displayed
on the display means being detected by the position detection means
continuously for a predetermined time.
[0194] (6) The data processing apparatus according to any one of
claims 1 to 16, (1) to (4), wherein the data select means selects
data identified by the first image as process target data to be
processed, in response to a predetermined area in the first image
displayed on the display means being detected by the position
detection means.
[0195] (7) The data processing apparatus according to any one of
claims 1 to 16, (1) to (6), wherein the first image display means
displays the first image for identifying the process target data in
a display manner different from before the process target data is
selected by the data select means, in response to the process
target data being selected by the data select means.
[0196] (8) The data processing apparatus according to any one of
claims 1 to 16, (1) to (7), further comprising angle changing means
for changing an angle of the display surface of the display means
within a range of predetermined angles from where the normal to the
display surface is vertical relative to the ground.
* * * * *